Uganda Game Parks, Uganda Wildlife Sanctuaries,
Uganda WildlifeMurchison
Falls National Park
Murchison
Falls National Park. is the largest park in Uganda, covering over 400 sq. kms since the inclusion
of the adjoining game reserve. It is one of the most spectacular
parks in Africa. Renowned for its scenic beauty and the spectacular
waterfalls from which it gets name. MFNP has abundant Flora and
Fauna to delight the visitor. From rolling savannah and tall
grasslands to thick bush and woodlands, the diversity of this
park never ceases to amaze.
No visit to Murchison
Falls would be complete without a visit to the magnificent waterfalls.
They can be viewed from the top where the Nile River narrows from
50 metres to crash through a 7 metre gorge, falling 45 metres
to the rocks below. The three-hour cruise to the base of the
Falls is unforgettable. One can experience the majesty of the
Nile while onboard, viewing exuberant wildlife along the banks.Murchison
Falls National Park. is the largest park in Uganda, covering over
400 sq. kms since the inclusion of the adjoining game reserve.
It is one of the most spectacular parks in Africa. Renowned
for its scenic beauty and the spectacular waterfalls from which
it gets name. MFNP has abundant Flora and Fauna to delight
the visitor. From rolling savannah and tall grasslands to
thick bush and woodlands, the diversity of this park never ceases
to amaze.
No visit to Murchison Falls would be complete
without a visit to the magnificent waterfalls. They can
be viewed from the top where the Nile River narrows from 50 metres
to crash through a 7 metre gorge, falling 45 metres to the rocks
below. The three-hour cruise to the base of the Falls is
unforgettable. One can experience the majesty of the Nile
while onboard, viewing exuberant wildlife along the banks.
The more adventurous traveller may want to hike
the trails around the waterfalls, while the avid birdwatcher will
want to seek out some of the 424-species identified in the park.
Fishermen can test their skills above and below the Falls, waiting
patiently for 20-7kg. Nile Perch. Other game fish found
in the Nile include Barbel, electric Catfish and Tiger fish.
On game drives Cape buffaloes, Rothschild's giraffe,
Uganda kob, hartebeest and waterbuck are commonly seen.
You may also spot oribi, bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, shy sitatunga,
bush duiker, warthog and bushpig.
Large carnivores include lion, leopard and spotted
hyena. Chimpanzees head the list of six species of primates
found in the park. Crocodile and hippo will be seen along
the banks of the Nile. Some of the more common birds that can
be included Goliath heron, Egyptian geese, pelican, bee-eaters,
kingfishers, hornbill, cormorant, saddle-bill stork and the rare
shoebill stork. A boat cruise to the delta is a highlight
for the avid birdwatcher.
White water rafting above the Falls and flat
water canoeing on the placid Nile below the Falls may be of interest
to the adventure traveller.
The more adventurous traveller may want to
hike the trails around the waterfalls, while the avid birdwatcher
will want to seek out some of the 424-species identified in the
park. Fishermen can test their skills above and below the Falls,
waiting patiently for 20-7kg. Nile
Perch. Other game fish found in the Nile include Barbel, electric
Catfish and Tiger fish.
On game drives Cape
buffaloes, Rothschild's giraffe, Uganda kob, hartebeest and waterbuck are commonly seen.
You may also spot oribi, bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, shy sitatunga,
bush duiker, warthog and bushpig.
Large carnivores include lion, leopard and
spotted hyena. Chimpanzees head the list of six species of primates
found in the park. Crocodile and hippo will be seen along the
banks of the Nile. Some of the more common birds that can be
included Goliath heron, Egyptian geese, pelican, bee-eaters, kingfishers,
hornbill, cormorant, saddle-bill stork and the rare shoebill stork.
A boat cruise to the delta is a highlight for the avid birdwatcher.
White water rafting above the Falls and flat
water canoeing on the placid Nile below the Falls may be of
interest to the adventure traveller.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
300KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
5 HRS |
Queen
Elizabeth National Park
Queen
Elizabeth National Park. is one of the outstanding treasures of
Uganda. QENP has recently been designated a Biosphere
Reserve for Humanity under UNESCO. The park covers 2000 sq. kms
and includes a remarkable variety of eco-systems; from semi-decidious
tropical forest to green meadows, savannah and swamps. It is
the home of the famous tree-climbing lions, the Uganda kob and other antelope as well as elephant, buffalo,
hippos, baboons, and chimpanzee.
Over 500 species of birds have been recorded
here making it prime target for birdwatchers. Species recorded
include the shoebill stork, black bee-eater, 11 types of kingfishers
and a variety of raptors including several falcons and eagles.
In the crater lakes, spectacular flocks of flamingos gather, creating
the image of a moving pink carpet.
The launch trip along the Kizinga Channel
between Lake George and Edward is a memorable way to view
the variety of game in Queen Elizabeth. North of the main gate
is the crater area, one of the most scenic parts of the park.
To the East, in Kyambura Gorge, visitors can climb through tropical
forest and catch a glimpse of a variety of primates, including
chimpanzee. In the more isolated Ishasha sector of the park,
search the woodlands for the tree-climbing lions perching on the
boughs of ancient fig trees. To the Southeast, travellers can
explore newly opened trails in Maramagambo forest.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
440KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
6 HRS |
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National
Park
Bwindi is located in south-western Uganda on the edge of the western rift valley covering
331 sq. kms. It is one of the largest natural forests in East
Africa, supporting large number of plants and animals not found
elsewhere. About half the world's population of 600 mountain
gorilla reside in Bwindi.
The vegetation, as the park's name implies, is
composed of tropical rainforest with dense undergrowth. This
rugged terrain makes hiking in search of gorilla strenuous work.
Visitors who trek should be prepared for up to 8 hours of hiking.
Good physical condition is required. A maximum of only 6 permits
per day are available for advance booking, so confirmation 4 -
12 months in advance is required to avoid disappointment. Along
with the gorillas, there are nine other species of primates including
chimpanzee, blue monkey, redtail monkey, L'hoest's monkey, black
and white colobus, potto, demidoff's and needle - clawed galago.
Three hundred and forty-seven species of birds
have been recorded in Bwindi; seven species are listed as endangered.
Species of particular interest include the Kivu ground thrush,
white-bellied robin chat, red-throated alethe, collared apallis,
short-tailed warbler, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Rwenzori batis,
blue headed sunbird, strange weaver and the Shelley's crimsonwing.
Over 200 species of butterflies have also been recorded here.
Many visitors also enjoy the hiking trails in
the park. The most popular are the Munyaga River Trail, the Waterfall
trail and the Rushuura Trails.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
550KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
9 - 10 HRS |
Mgahinga Gorilla Sanctuary
This park is in the far south-western corner
of Uganda, is the smallest park, only 33.7sq. kms. As the
Ugandan part of the Virunga Conservation Area, where half of the
world's mountain gorillas make their homes, this park shares boundaries
with Rwanda and Congo (Zaire). The park is comprised of parts of three extinct
volcano mountains, Mt. Muhavura (4127m), Mt. Gahinga (3475m) and
Mt. Sabyinyo (3645m).
The vegetation of Mgahinga is typically afro-montane,
with a forest belt, a bamboo zone, an ericacious belt and an alpine
zone. The park supports a variety of animal species including
gorilla, rare golden monkey, buffalo, elephant, leopard and serval
cat. There are also over 180 species of bird found in the region.
Among these are the handsome francolin, the Rwenzori touraco and
the side-breasted tit.
About 45 mountain gorillas use the Mgahinga
sector of the Virunga Conservation Area seasonally. Gorilla trekking
is available here when the gorillas are in the park. They are
usually resident in the months of April, May and June and October,
November and December. The rest of the year the gorillas are
on the Congo side of the Virungas. Book 4-12 months in advance
to avoid disappointment. Trekking is strenuous; therefore good
physical condition is necessary.
Mgahinga is an interesting park. In addition
to gorilla trekking, it offers a number of other exciting half-day
hikes and the challenge of a full-day climb to the summit of Mt. Muhavura or Mt. Gahinga, or the breathtaking
Sabyinyo Gorge. Also of interest are the three swamps: Rugezi,
Kabiranyuma and Kizibakye.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
510KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
9 - 10 HRS |
Mt Rwenzori National Park
The Rwenzori Park is a splendid world of ice and snow, with
its massive ice-rime sculptures and mind-boggling vegetation,
and arguably surpasses other afro-alpine areas in its beauty,
wonder and interest to mountaineering enthusiasts. This park,
covering 996 sq. kms. provides a magnificent environment for both
experienced climbers and casual day hikers. These legendary
mountains exhibit spectacular scenic beauty and provide a unique
habitat for many rare and indigenous plants and animals. The
Highest mountain in the range, Mt. Stanley, is the third highest
in Africa
after Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya. Its highest peak, Margharita,
rises 5109 m above sea level. The giant lobelia and the groundsell
are hallmarks of the Rwenzori. All of the above make this park
an unforgettable visitor destination.
Decreasing temperature with increasing altitude
have resulted in marked zoning of vegetation, which is of great
interest to scientists and a delightful experience for visitors.
In fact, more people visit the Rwenzori to explore and experience
the fascinating vegetation than to climb the peaks and glaciers.
The usual trip lasts not less than 6 days, just
long enough to hike the Central Circuit Trail. Longer and shorter
trips can be arranged. No special climbing equipment is necessary
unless you intend to climb one of the summits. However, hiking
the trails is arduous work, and weather conditions are unpredictable
and rainy. The driest months are July, August and December, January
and February. Hiking should be undertaken only by the physical
fit.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
600KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
6 HRS |
Lake
Mburo National Park
Lake
Mburo National Park (260 sq. kms) lies along Mbarara road within
easy access of Kampala. It is ideal for a transit stop to /
from the gorilla sanctuaries or QENP. It is an attractive park
of rolling hills and open grassy valleys, interspersed with
thickets, woodlands and rich wetlands.
Find here herds of Zebra, Cape buffalo and
eland. Oribi and topi are easily approached. Along with a
game drive, many visitors enjoy a boat trip on Lake
Mburo. Self-guided nature trails are also available. Birdwatchers
will enjoy the more than 250 species of birds found in Lake
Mburo.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
230KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
3 - 4 HRS |
Kibale National
Park
This National Park covers 766 sq. kms and
runs contiguous with the northern end of QENP, but Kibale
is much wetter with a unique moist forest habitat and an extremely
high diversity of animals and plants.
This mature tropical rainforest supports the
highest number of primate species in Uganda, and one of the highest primate densities and diversities
in the world. There are 13 species of primates located here
which include red colobus monkey, black-and white colobus
monkey, redtail monkey, L’hoest’s monkey, mangabey, pottos,
olive baboons and several communities of chimpanzee.
About 400 species of birds have been reported
in Kibale. A number of these species are found only in this
park. In addition, over 150 species of butterflies and a
large number of moths can be discovered here.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
400KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
6 - 7 HRS |
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki was formerly a game reserve and
covering 220 sq. kms is virtually untouched by man. Its
lush tropical lowland habitat provides an inspirational
setting for hikers and nature lovers to spend a few quiet
days relaxing and exploring unspoiled Africa.
The eco-system of tropical lowland forest
is continuos with the Ituri forest of Zaire, divided only by the Semuliki
River. This location, as a kind of stepping stone between
East and West Africa,
helps explain the great diversity of wildlife in the park,
possibly the greatest in all of East Africa. The park contains
elephant, buffalo and vervet monkey. In addition, there
are 400 species of bird and around 300 different species
of butterfly.
Enjoy many walking/hiking trails and a
trip to Sempaya Hot Springs.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
450KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
9 HRS |
Kidepo
National
Park
Kidepo
is one of Uganda's most spectacular
parks with a wealth of wildlife and scenic beauty. It lies
in the north-eastern horn of Uganda in Karamoja district and covers an area of 1442
sq. kms. Being drier than Uganda's other parks, this impressive
natural reserve contains a different eco-system from any
other area in Uganda, giving visitors a more complete understanding
of Uganda's vast bio-diversity. Its secluded location provides
the traveller a certain air of peace and tranquillity in
which to relax and enjoy the dramatic scenery and wildlife
of northern Uganda.
With 80 species, Kidepo supports a wider diversity
of mammals than any other Ugandan park. Some of the animals
you can expect to see include lion, Zebra, large herds of
elephant, eland lesser kudu, dik-dik and Cape
buffalo. Oribi are abundant, as well as the almost -tame
Apoka waterbuck. A surprising 28 of the 80 species are
not present in any other park in Uganda. These include cheetah, greater kudu and Bright's
gazelle.
Enthusiastic ornithologists will be enchanted
with the birdllife. The official checklist includes 462
species. Both kopjes and forest patches provided refuge
for interesting species. Two found only to Kidepo are ostrich
and kori bustard. Find here five species of hornbill, including
the giant ground variety. Bird of prey in the park includes
Verreaux's eagle, lammergeyer and Egyptian vulture.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
450KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
8 - 9 HRS |
Mount
Elgon National
Park
Mount
Elgon is the shell of an ancient volcano. Its highest peak,
Wagagai, reaches 4321 m, making it the 4th highest peak
in Africa. Though much erosion has taken place, the remaining
oval shaped caldera now measures roughly 7 by 8 kms, one
of the largest in the world. This 1145 sq. kms park shares
its eastern border with Kenya.
One of the primary goals of the park is to
conserve and restore the valuable natural resources of the
areas including the water shed and the bio-diversity. Conservation
of this land provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy
the wonderfully wild and exciting scenery of this mountainous
area. Its main attractions are its waterfalls, caves once
used by indigenous people, Hot Springs, the mountains vegetation, the various
peaks, the Suam Gorge and the cladera itself.
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Many animals are found in the park, but because
of earlier harassment by poachers, they are shy of humans.
You may spot Cape buffalo, bushbuck, black-fronted duiker,
tree hyrax and bushpig. Leopard and hyenas also live in
the park, and elephants have recently been returning to
the areas from neighbouring Kenya. Primates that are found there include blue monkey,
baboon and black-and white colobus. Some interesting birds
that are often sighted Ross' touraco, casqued hornbill,
gregarious hornbill, crowned eagle and lammergeyer.
| APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FROM KAMPALA |
400KM |
| ESTIMATED TRANSIT TIME: |
5 HRS |
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